Analyst names perfect trade target for Atlanta Braves

As the Atlanta Braves enter the summer with the trade deadline approaching, who would be the perfect fit for them in a trade?

Despite some major obstacles, the Atlanta Braves’ start to the season has been pretty good this year. Few teams could get above .500 after losing their best player and best pitcher all season, but this shows the talent and depth of the Braves.

Even though the Braves are well above .500, they still look up to the Philadelphia Phillies in the standings. While there is still plenty of baseball to play, the Phillies are once again looking like a real contender this season.

Recently, ESPN’s Jeff Passan talked about who would be the ideal target for a trade with the Atlanta Braves. Here’s what he had to say.

Weakness: Outfield

Best match: Lane Thomas

Ronald Acuna Jr.’s season-ending ACL tear left the Braves with the same dilemma they faced in 2021: How to replace the superstar outfielder? The answer was no. President of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos took the group approach that year, dealing Jorge Soler, Eddie Rosario, Joc Pederson and Adam Duvall, and ended up winning a World Series. Thomas, Washington’s 28-year-old right fielder, is the all-in-one solution this season. While it would be painful for Washington to send Thomas to a team that is just six games behind in its division, he will become a free agent after next season. Atlanta could either keep him as an insurance policy for Acuna or move him again this winter.

With the starting rotation working just fine without Spencer Strider, the offense needs a boost for the Atlanta Braves. Losing Acuna is significant, as he is one of the best hitters in baseball and an MVP candidate when he is on the field.

Adding Thomas would give the Atlanta Braves an outfielder who has pop and can steal bases like Acuna did. While Thomas isn’t the same caliber of player as Acuna, he would be a nice upgrade.